From JT Stin Overflowing with Grace Do you ever worry that the cup of God’s mercy will run empty? Are you afraid his grace will run out? That your warranty will expire? Are you afraid your mistakes are too great for God’s forgiveness? I wonder if the apostle Paul had the same fear. Before he was Paul the apostle, he was Saul the murderer. Before he encouraged Christians, he murdered Christians. What would it be like to live with that kind of past? Did Paul ever ask, “Can God forgive a man like me?” The answer is found in a letter Paul wrote to Timothy: “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (I Timothy 1:14) God is not a miser with His grace. Your cup may be low on cash or clout, but it’s overflowing with mercy. Your cup overflows with grace! Are You in the Secret Service? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” - Romans 1:16 are you ashamed to put a Bible on your desk at work? Are you ashamed to bow your head in the cafeteria? Are you ashamed to invite people to Jesus Christ? Are you ashamed of the One who died for you? A little boy had a dog, and someone asked him what kind of dog he was. He was just a mongrel, but the little fellow said, “Well, he’s a police dog.” The friend said, “He doesn’t look like a police dog.” The little guy replied, “He’s in the secret service.” I afraid there are many of us who are in the secret service. We ought to be open and bold for the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ask God to lead you out in strength and boldness today to live for Him and proclaim His love to others. Released From Selfishness He must increase, but I must decrease. -John 3:30 Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. Hypochondria, a mental disorder which is accompanied by melancholy and depression, is often caused by self-pity and self-centeredness. Most of us suffer from spiritual nearsightedness. Our interests, our loves, and our energies are too often focused upon ourselves. Jesus underscored the fact that His disciples were to live outflowingly rather than selfishly. To the rich young ruler He said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21). It wasn’t the giving away of his goods that Jesus demanded, particularly, but that he be released from selfishness, and its devastating effect on his personality and life. Prayer for the day Teach me to so completely open my heart to You that there will be no room for self. Cleanse me, Lord, of all selfish thoughts and deeds.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 11:47:01 +0000
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